Beloved Community,

This week, we’re officially kicking off the search for our next Director of Music. This part-time position (15–20 hours/week) will lead our Chancel Choir, collaborate on worship planning, and help guide the next chapter of CCSM’s music ministry. We’re seeking someone who can honor our rich musical tradition while thoughtfully introducing fresh, meaningful selections that reflect CCSM’s progressive spirit. If a candidate has experience and interest, directing the Bell Choir could also be part of this role. The job posting is linked below, so please share it with anyone you know who might be a good fit (or who knows someone that might be interested in applying).

This Sunday marks a summer transition for Angela Kraft Cross, who will be taking a few months away to launch an exciting new composition project: an Organ Symphonie inspired by the great works of Widor and Vierne. She’ll also be teaching and performing at the Oberlin Organ Academy in June and in England in early July. Angela will return, renewed and refreshed, in time for worship on August 17.

While she is away, we’re excited to welcome back Chase Olson, who will once again help lead music throughout the summer months.

I hope you can join us this Sunday as recognize this year’s CCSM higher Education Scholarship recipients, send Angela off with love and blessings before her summer travels, and welcome her dear friend Claire Temblay, who will accompany her on the oboe during worship

As we walk through this week, I know many of us are carrying grief and worry that at times can feel overwhelming. Loved ones recovering from illnesses, the recent drowning of a classmate of one of our younger members, the images of starving children in Gaza that won't leave our minds. Friends and family members across the country recovering and rebuilding from storms. The weight of choices made by our leaders.

If you haven't yet today I invite you to take a moment (yes, right now) to close your eyes, pause, and share sacred silence with the Divine. Lift up your doubts, fears, or anxieties. Lift up those who are hurting, hungry, and in pain, or simply lift up a simple prayer of gratitude. Be still and know that God carries us, and those we can only be with in prayer.

In peace and hope,

Jessica

Music Director Job Description

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for Last Sunday's Entire Service

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica Vacketta's sermon, "Oikos: The Gospel of Home"

CHURCH SNAPSHOTS

Our Posey Posse kicked off their summer flower delivery ministry this week, and Dottie Scott (Pleasanton) received a delivery from Melodie Lew in celebration of her 95th birthday!

Laura Peterhans celebrated her 90th birthday with a beautiful bouquet!

The Council of Ministries gathered on Monday night to plan, support, collaborate, and do a little team building.

Members of our Latino Ministry hosted a La Milpa Pick-a-Party on Sunday. Telma taught eveyrone how to make their own tortillas using 4 different colors of corn and the group enjoyed an El Salvadoran version of horchata made by Imelda!

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

Honoring Scholarships & Graduates, May 25

This Sunday, May 25, we will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates during worship! If you or a loved one is graduating from high school, college, or graduate school this year, we’d love to recognize them.

Please send the graduate’s name, school, and degree (if applicable) to Rev. Jessica by Thursday May 22 to be included in the celebration.

Be a Sunday Greeter!

We’re looking for a few friendly faces to help welcome people to church—either by the name tag board before worship or at the Welcome Table for about 15 minutes after the service. It’s a simple way to offer hospitality and help newcomers feel welcome. Just 15 minutes can make a big difference!

PLEASE NOTE:

The church office will be closed on Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.

View our full calendar on our website

TAKE ACTION

Join the Justice and Witness Committee of the NCNC

From Rev. Rhina Ramos, Associate Conference Minister for Justice & Witness:

Join the Justice & Witness Committee of the Northern California Nevada Conference!

Let's together make "good trouble" and carry out our denomination vision for Justice for All.

To apply fill out this Justice & Witness Committee Application. We will notify you promptly about next steps.

COMING UP

HELP WITH PRIDE

Pride Month is almost here, and CCSM is getting ready to celebrate! We hope you’ll join us for a special Pride Sunday worship on June 1 and come walk with us in the San Mateo Pride Parade and Festival on Friday, June 14. It’s a joyful and visible way to share our message of love and inclusion with the wider community.

Want to help? We’re looking for volunteers to:

Help set up mini Pride Flags at church
Walk with CCSM in the parade
Staff our UCC booth at the festival.

If you can help with any of these, please reach out to Rev. Jessica!

Pentecost Readers

On Sunday, June 8th, we will celebrate Pentecost and are looking for readers to help with our call to worship. If you can read in a language other than English and would like to participate, please email Rev. Jessica.

FINDING JOY TOGETHER

~ A SUMMER BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

by The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Join us for a journey of inspiration and connection as we read The Book of Joy together. Over three monthly sessions, we will cover the True Nature of Joy; the Obstacles to Joy; and the Eight Pillars of Joy. And we will learn practical ways to cultivate joy in our lives.

The sessions will be held on the third Monday in June, July and August (6/16; 7/21; 8/18), 11:00AM-12:30PM, in the Fireplace Room.

Please contact Siew Kang (internationalchoir@gmail.com) for more details or to sign up.

Camp Tam Registration is open! Don't miss Early Bird prices!

Junior Camp at Tamarack

July 13-19 Grades 4 to 6

Early Bird Pricing for Junior Camp ends June 13

Junior High Camp at Tamarack

July 20-26 Grades 7 to 9

Early Bird Pricing for Jr. Highh ends June 20

Senior High Camp at Tamarack

July 27-August 2 Grades 10 to 12

Early Bird Price for Sr High ends June 27

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Job Position: Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) Director

We're seeking a creative and passionate leader to guide our children and youth in their faith journeys. Our CYF Director will cultivate an inclusive, engaging environment where young people and their families explore spirituality, build community, and engage in social justice. If you're called to nurture the next generation's faith development through innovative programming and meaningful relationships, we invite you to learn more about this opportunity.